Stability of dissolution flutes under turbulent flow

Abstract

Dissolution of a solid surface under turbulent fluid flow can lead to the formation of periodic ripple-like structures with a wavelength dependent upon flow velocity. A model coupling hydrodynamics with mass transport and dissolution kinetics shows that the shape stability of these structures can be explained from fundamental principles. The effects of a subgrid diffusion boundary layer must be included in the dissolution model to produce realistic results. The importance of including not only the mean flow velocity, but also the turbulent component of flow, in the dissolution model is emphasized. The numerical experiments also compare dissolution profiles for gypsum and calcite.